Deux dames en train de marcher vers une porte du Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap
Photo credit: Michel Julien

10 free or low-cost activities to add to your summer calendar

Divine Quebec invites you to discover beautiful sites, appreciate nature, learn about traditions and find out more about places that have played an important role in history. Here are 10 sites that offer either free or low-cost activities that you’ll want to add to your list of things to do this summer.

01 Discover the experience
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Discover the experience

Attend mini-concerts of classical music
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The second edition of Classical Day at the Oratory will take place on July 4, 2026. Throughout the day, starting at 10 a.m. until sunset at 8:30 p.m., you can enjoy a series of mini classical music concerts in various stunning locations at Saint Joseph’s Oratory. Among these you’ll find: a jazz duo, a string quartet, a carillon recital and even an introduction to musical cultures that use the body as a percussion instrument! Free admission, no tickets required.

Admire stained-glass art on a guided tour
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Every third Saturday of the month at 2 p.m., all year long, you can take part in a guided tour to discover the hidden treasures of the stained-glass windows at the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Shrine in Trois-Rivières. Its roof features more than 285 stained-glass windows, the work of Father Jan Tillemans, a master stained-glass artisan of Dutch origin. If the weather allows, take a stroll through the gardens on the grounds after the tour. Donations welcome (suggested price: $10).

Attend an organ festival
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On Wednesdays, July 1, 8, and 15, 2026, at 5 p.m., as part of its organ festival, the Basilique-Cathédrale Saint-Michel de Sherbrooke will present one-hour concerts that have been filmed and will be shown on a big screen. These concerts will feature works by Quebec composers, children’s stories set to music, and well-known pieces, as well as classics from the organ repertoire, ranging from Boëllmann to Handel. The perfect event for music lovers! Donations welcome.

Enjoy a picnic with a view
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How about a picnic in a beautiful setting? Steeped in history, the Calvaire-d’Huberdeau heritage site offers a magnificent view of the Rouge River Valley and the Laurentian landscapes. Enjoy the picnic area, and once you’ve eaten, take a stroll around the site to discover its history and its 28 statues. Continue your exploration by visiting other sites along La Route des Belles Histoires. Access to the site is free.

Explore exhibits dedicated to copper art
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Feel like learning about embossed copper art? Located in Château-Richer, the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum presents three amazing exhibitions: first From Copper Ore to Copper Art, then Christorama and finally A passion, an art, an extraordinary life which looks into the fascinating world of craftsman Albert Gilles. See for yourself how this form of art is still very much alive! Free admission to the museum.

Go on a meditative walk in nature
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Treat yourself to moments of meditation surrounded by nature by taking a walk along the beautiful trails surrounding the outdoor chapel at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Beauvoir in Sherbrooke, in the Eastern Townships. Whether you’re strolling on your own, as a couple or with your family, make your outing extra special by timing it when the sun sets behind the surrounding hills. Incredible! Free.

Discover a heritage gem
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Built in downtown Saint-Hyacinthe in 1880, the Cathédrale Saint-Hyacinthe-le-Confesseur is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline. Take advantage of self-guided tours (Sunday through Friday from 3 to 4:30 p.m., before Mass) to explore its Romanesque architecture, sumptuous chandeliers, and Casavant organ. It is also the final resting place of Blessed Louis-Zéphirin Moreau, to whom the Church attributes the miracle of healing an 11-year-old girl suffering from leukemia. Free admission.

Take your dog out for a walk
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Looking for a different kind of place to walk? The nature trails at the Our Lady of Lourdes Sanctuary offer scenery of rare beauty to explore during a visit to Rigaud. On the grounds, the small historic chapel offers a breathtaking view of the city, the Ottawa River, and the surrounding area. And dogs are allowed on the trails, so it’s a great place to visit with Fido! Access to the site is free.

Take a break in an urban garden
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A true marvel of neo-Gothic architecture, the Christ Church Cathedral offers a peaceful oasis in the heart of Montreal. This splendid building – a Quebec heritage building and a National Historic Site of Canada – is open daily. In summer, enjoy its cloister garden dedicated to Raoul Wallenberg, a humanitarian hero during World War II. Free.

Visit a historical monument
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Nestled in the heart of Old Québec City, the Basilique-cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec is a designated National Historic Site of Canada. Open year-round, the cathedral’s stunning decor is a sight to behold and free self-guided visits are offered. It’s a beautiful place to include on a walk through Old Québec City. Free.

Photo credit: Sanctuaire du Sacré-Coeur de Beauvoir
Photo credit: Marie-Anne Gaudreault
Vitraux colorés et fresques murales à l'intérieur de la chapelle de la Basilique-Cathédrale Saint-Michel de Sherbrooke.
Photo credit: Archidiocèse de Sherbrooke

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